Analyzing Spatial Learning and Prosocial Behavior in Mice Using the Barnes Maze and Damsel-in-Distress Paradigms

Ingersoll, James; Moody, Michael L.; Holland, Robert; Kuegler, Wesley; Murrah, Charles; Winslow, John; Reynolds, N. S. M.; Lloyd, Nathaniel; Dugan, Brian; Hammock, Madalyn; Houle, Katherine; Clabough, Erin B. D.

doi:10.3791/58008

Cited by 4 publications

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“…Our lab has investigated both social behavior and learning/memory in mice treated with this acute ethanol developmental paradigm. We found no overt social differences, but the animals exhibit memory deficits on the Barnes maze when learning acquisition occurs during adolescence and retention is tested in adulthood [ 7 , 53 ] This acquisition deficit fits well with our finding of PSD-95 abnormalities, as PSD-95 also appears to be important in coupling the NMDA receptor to pathways controlling synaptic plasticity and learning [ 28 ]..…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%

Acute Ethanol Exposure during Synaptogenesis Rapidly Alters Medium Spiny Neuron Morphology and Synaptic Protein Expression in the Dorsal Striatum

Clabough

Ingersoll

Reekes

et al. 2021

IJMS

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Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders are caused by the disruption of normal brain development in utero. The severity and range of symptoms is dictated by both the dosage and timing of ethanol administration, and the resulting developmental processes that are impacted. In order to investigate the effects of an acute, high-dose intoxication event on the development of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the striatum, mice were injected with ethanol on P6, and neuronal morphology was assessed after 24 h, or at 1 month or 5 months of age. Data indicate an immediate increase in MSN dendritic length and branching, a rapid decrease in spine number, and increased levels of the synaptic protein PSD-95 as a consequence of this neonatal exposure to ethanol, but these differences do not persist into adulthood. These results demonstrate a rapid neuronal response to ethanol exposure and characterize the dynamic nature of neuronal architecture in the MSNs. Although differences in neuronal branching and spine density induced by ethanol resolve with time, early changes in the caudate/putamen region have a potential impact on the execution of complex motor skills, as well as aspects of long-term learning and addictive behavior.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 82%